ATC puts off Inferno renewal

Bar owner says he'll address city's concerns, improve security.

Bar owner says he'll address city's concerns, improve security.

December 29, 2005|JENNIFER OCHSTEIN Tribune Staff Writer

SOUTH BEND -- Inferno Bar & Grill owner Daniel Sedam will have to make good on his promises or face the loss of his liquor license. The St. Joseph County Alcohol Tobacco Commission tabled a hearing for an alcohol permit renewal for the Inferno, 1150 Mishawaka Ave., until its January meeting to give Sedam a chance to make some changes. Aladean DeRose, chief assistant city attorney for South Bend, said earlier this month the city is concerned about crowd control and gunfire when Inferno closes in the early mornings. She has fielded police reports generated because of problems after hours at the business. City officials promised to protest the renewal but agreed to the continuance Wednesday. Ann-Carol Nash, assistant city attorney, said during the meeting Wednesday that Sedam has been sent warnings about his unruly clientele. But, she said, the warnings haven't been heeded. "Our goal is that whatever the problems are get fixed," said Bob Urbanski, local ATC president. He said that if expectations are not met, the ATC will likely not approve the renewal. He also said later that if Sedam cannot control his customers, then it's an unsafe situation. ATC member Curtis Woolley asked whether the same crowd that caused problems at Benchwarmers and The Palace, both of which have since been closed, is causing problems at Inferno. Attorney Mitch Heppenheimer, representing Sedam, told Woolley he "hit the issue on the head." Heppenheimer explained that the rowdy "element" travels to different bars.